Solving the Enigma: The History of the German Cipher Machine

History Talk: Solving the Enigma

Join us at Wright Library for a livestreamed presentation from Jennifer Robertson of the National Cryptologic Museum in Maryland on the history of the German cipher machine, Enigma, and how it was decrypted by British and American Allies, including Oakwood's Joe Desch and his team at NCR. You can also watch the program virtually by registering at wrightlibrary.org/events.

During WWII, German military communicated through secret codes using a complex cipher device, the Enigma machine. British and American allies worked tirelessly to intercept and decode the German messages, eventually proving successful through the work of NCR engineer, Joseph Desch, and a team of men and women in Dayton, Ohio.

Wright Library has also partnered with the National Cryptologic Museum (NCM) and Oakwood Unsung Heroes on an exhibit now open to the public - "Codebreakers: How Dayton Helped Win WWII." The exhibit features rare artifacts on loan from the NCM - including an Analog Enigma machine - and tells the story of NCR Engineer Joseph Desch, the WAVES, and the rigorous yet secretive routine of daily codebreaking efforts during WWII.

The exhibit, open during regular library hours, was also made possible by the National Aviation Heritage Area honoring Montgomery County as an American World War II Heritage designation and the Wright Memorial Public Library Foundation.

Links & Tags

Wright Memorial Public Library

Solving the Enigma: The History of the German Cipher Machine is taking place at Wright Memorial Public Library, which is located at 1776 Far Hills Avenue in Oakwood. Wright Memorial Public Library - Books are only the beginning at Wright Memorial Public Library. So much to see, so much to do!